What Is Google TV?

Have you ever imagine using an HDTV combined with the power of Google on the internet? That’s what Google TV is – having the option to merge television with the internet, allowing simple access to countless entertainment choices. Using a Google TV, user can search whatever he wants on the entire web and with access to Android Market, thousands of apps will be made available. You will able to use applications such as Twitter, Pandora, Android Market, Napster, Netflix and NBA, selection of content and even social media interaction is made possible with Google TV. Napster allows MP3 downloads for on demand music selections to stream to the TV. Movies also will be available in unlimited selections from Netflix and many more.

Google TV is a Smart TV platform from Google co-developed by Intel, Sony, and Logitech that was launched in October 2010 with official devices initially made by Sony and Logitech. Google TV integrates the Android operating system and the Google Chrome Web Browser to create an interactive television overlay on top of existing Internet television and WebTV sites to add a 10-foot user interface, for a Smart TV experience.

Initially, Google TV only comes in three forms: A Logitech set top box (STB), a SONY Blu-ray player with Google TV support and a line of SONY TV’s with integrated Google TV. This first generation of devices were based all on x86 architecture processors by Intel.

While the second generation of Google TV devices are all based on ARM architecture processors, at which time additional partners joined, including LG, Samsung, Vizio, and Hisense. In 2013, more Google TV supported devices were announced by new partners, including Hisense, Netgear, TCL, and Asus. Some of which include 3D television (3D TV) display output capabilities.

Google TV does not rely on third-party apps, nor does it only offer a select amount of internet support. Instead subscribers will have it all; a full internet browsing experience and their regular TV, all on one screen complete with the massive pool of media entertainment offered by the web. It differs from IPTV and PayTV in that Google has instead done its best to blend the best the internet video sites have to offer with the best of regular TV.

Don’t compare pay TV to Google TV because Google’s newest technology isn’t just another form of IPTV. Basically IPTV generally provides a Pay TV-style service over the internet with some extra web applications and limited internet access but no real web browser. Google TV instead done its best to blend the best the internet video sites have to offer with the best of regular TV, and even subscriptions such as Zune, Hulu or Netflix can all be integrated in to Google TV, essentially creating one mass database for all your set top boxes (STBs) and other plug-ins.

This new style of viewing experience comes at a one-off price with no long-term fees. Pricing varies depending on which TV manufacturer you go for, but at a single price with no required contract you won’t be adding to your monthly budget.

An October 2013 report suggests that Google might cease using the Google TV label and require all new devices to be rebranded as Android TV.

Full web support is going to come with the device including a very simple way to switch between the internet and the TV with integrated search results. YouTube is also supported, allowing the viewer to watch videos at the press of a button just as if they were at their computer.

Google TV is going to be great for families who want to make the most of their internet connection and televisions, especially those with higher end equipment. As of now the cost of the set top box or TV deals are unknown but should be released in the near future. It’s also unknown if this new technology will be released outside of the United States but only time will tell.

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